Azadi Fellowship Cohort (III)

The International Research Council for Religious Affairs (IRCRA), in partnership with the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), successfully conducted the third cohort of the Azadi Fellowship Program at the Islamic Research Institute, International Islamic University, Islamabad from 23rd August to 30th August.

This 7-day fellowship brought together 20 exceptional individuals from 20 diverse districts across Pakistan, representing four major religions (Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Sikhism) and various ethnicities. The program aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of religious freedom and pluralism, democratic principles and civic engagement, conflict resolution and peacebuilding, and social cohesion and community development.

Through 20 interactive sessions, 42 renowned national and international speakers shared valuable perspectives on multiculturalism and interfaith relations, stress management and mental well-being, media trends and responsible communication, climate change and sustainable development, and regional stability and global cooperation.

Five strategically curated visits provided participants with firsthand experience of Pakistan’s rich cultural, political, and religious landscape, including Dawah Academy, National Defense University’s Institute for Strategic Studies, Research and Analysis (NDU ISSRA), Indonesian Embassy, Parliament of Pakistan, and interfaith visits to a Church and Temple.

As the program concluded, participants were introduced to the “Seed Project” concept, empowering them to design and implement community-based initiatives promoting democracy, peace, and social cohesion. Building on the success of Cohort II, we invite applications for Cohort III. Join a diverse network of leaders committed to fostering social harmony, democratic values, and community development.